Blankets of Hope and the Gospel of Grace

Today, we were allowed to visit several groups of orphans. I love children, so this was a highlight of my trip. At one location, we were told that we were the first “westerners” the children had ever seen. Some smiled, some bashfully hid their faces, and some shrieked in sheer terror, like children afraid to sit in Santa’s lap. I’m 6’6”, so I immediately got on my knees to look less intimidating.

We were also told that the government officials in this restricted country were suspicious of anyone who was interested in orphans. They are afraid that because the orphans are “hopeless,” outsiders might try to recruit them for suicidal missions against the government.

The irony was obvious. We had come indeed to reach the hopeless, not to exploit them, but to give them hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We gave each child a package of necessities (soap, toothpaste) as well as one of our blankets of hope. These blankets not only meet a physical need, but a spiritual one as well. Each blanket incorporates the 5 colors found in our Good News Wristband that give a clear and simple gospel presentation. These blankets and supplies were provided by the generous support of our donors who are committed to reaching the world with the gospel of grace.